It is the most common disease of the salivary glands and can be very uncomfortable for the patients. As the name implies, the salivary glands are located along the cheeks (parotid glands) and under the jaw (Submandibular glands), produce saliva and secret it into the mouth via ducts. Salivary stones are caused by accumulation of debris in the salivary gland ducts. This prevents saliva from being secreted and causes painful swelling and even infection within the salivary glands.

During The Doctors show, Dr. Osborne pointed out that sometimes we can pass the stones just as we would pass a kidney stone. We can help this along by placing warm compresses over the gland, massaging the gland and using sour material (Sialogogues) to increase flow of saliva. This, however, does not work in all cases. Traditionally, the next step would have been to remove the salivary gland as a whole. As Dr. Osborne suggested, although effective this method causes cosmetic deformities, risks to nerves and muscles and in most cases is an over-kill.

Dr. Osborne has been on the forefront of a revolutionary treatment for salivary gland stones that has almost eliminated the need for aggressive surgery. This procedure is called sialendoscopy and uses small cameras to examine the duct and specialized tools to remove the stones without removing the gland. For more information about salivary gland stones and sialendoscopy you can visit our website www.parotid.net.

A message from Dr. Ryan Osborne, Director of the Division of Head and Neck at the Osborne Head and Neck Institute.

“I know that salivary gland stones can be uncomfortable and painful for most patients. I have found sialendoscopy to be an excellent treatment method that has saved countless number of my patients from having to undergo an extensive treatment. As an informed patient you owe it to yourself to explore all of your options and if you suffer from salivary gland stones you should learn more about this procedure. I hope that you will use us as a resource, even if you choose to have your procedure elsewhere. I look forward to hearing from you.”